[I'm actually in no position to write a review for Rent. But I've been so addicted to it the past week, I just had to write one. Even before writing it, I know this review wont give justice to how amazing the movie is.]
Movie musicals have done it again! Rent was more than amazing. The songs were perfectly sung and they all fit in appropriately to the story. Jonathan Larson is a legendary genius.
I was kinda surprised that Chris Columbus was the one who directed it. Its because he'll always be the one who directed the first Harry Potter movie for me. But he did a really good job. According to other sources, he was very much faithful to the broadway version. Of course, he had to cut a lot of scenes.
What the story is about, is kinda hard to explain... It deals with so many social-political issues back in the late 80's-early 90's. From AIDS to oppression, friends and lovers to drugs, homosexuality to struggling between passion and work, want and have, can and cant. It's very versitle and complex. Yet how the story goes, everything just ties up together by the eight main characters.
Movie musicals are of course nothing without the songs. They're the type that you'd want to sing right after watching the film even though you dont even know any of the them. Let's just thank that we all know Seasons of Love (525, 600 minutes), which I only found out that it was from Rent, a few days before watching it.
I found it very impressive that most of the cast members are from the original cast of the Broadway version. Their characters being: Mark, Roger, Angel, Collins, Maureen and Benny. The other two are Joanne and Mimi.
I dont exactly recommend it, but my brother downloaded the soundtrack of the film. And from then, I cant stop listening to it. Its been playing in our WMP for days! I've downloaded the lyrics and I've been just reading the them as I sing to the player. Although all the songs are amazing, I do tend to skip some of them. "Another Day," "Tango: Maureen," and "La Vie Boheme (A and B)" would be some of my favorites. I actually write this as I listen to the soundtrack.
Having to watch this film, I am now a self-proclaimed Renthead. You would be too, if you watched it.
There is one cinema left that still shows it. Catch it in Greenbelt 3. Check your newspapers for the schedule. It is also reserved seating. Hopefully, it wont stop showing anytime soon. I know this is a late review.
[To those who have watched it: I told you this review wouldnt give justice. :/]
La Vie Boheme!
